Vaccines
Vaccines are a vital part of a pet's health and wellbeing. Most commonly given as an injection under the skin, vaccines help stimulate the immune system into building antibodies meant to protect the body against potentially life-threatening diseases. Many vaccines are available to protect cats and dogs of all ages against various diseases. Some are considered "core" vaccines, meaning they should be given to all members of a certain species, while some are considered "non-core", meaning they should only be given to pets at higher risk of transmission. Below are all the canine and feline vaccines available at our clinic.
Canine Vaccinations
DHPP
DHPP is a core vaccine that protects dogs against distemper, adenovirus 2 (herpes), parvovirus, and parainfluenza. This vaccine is extremely important especially for young puppies, who are more susceptible to deadly diseases due to them having an underdeveloped immune system. Puppies can receive their first dose as young as 6 weeks of age, and should receive a booster every 3-4 weeks until they reach the age of 16 weeks. They should then receive another dose after one year, and then every 3 years.
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacteria shed in the urine of rodents and other wildlife. It is highly contagious and can be contracted by ingestion of contaminated food, soil or water. This bacteria affects the kidneys and liver, thus causing acute renal failure and possible death when left untreated. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can also be transmitted to humans. A vaccine is available for dogs at higher risk of contracting this disease. Though optional, our clinic highly recommends vaccinating ALL dogs against leptospirosis, due to the recent increase of positive cases seen at our hospital.
Bordetella
Bordetella bronchiseptica is one of the main causes of canine infectious tracheobronchitis, more commonly known as "kennel cough". This highly contagious air-borne disease is associated with a dry honking cough, sometimes accompanied by nasal discharge. The Bordetella vaccine helps prevent and/or lessen the severity of symptoms in dogs exposed to the disease. Though optional, some facilities such as boarding kennels, grooming salons, and dog parks do require all dogs be vaccinated against kennel cough in order to enter.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Due to the dangerous nature of this disease and lack of treatment for those infected, it is legally required to vaccinate all pets against rabies, making it a core vaccine. Clinical signs of rabies can include changes in behaviour, hypersalivation (drooling or foaming at the mouth), ataxia, depression or stupor. The only way to diagnose rabies in a pet is a post-mortem biopsy of brain tissue.
Feline Vaccinations
FVRCP
FVRCP is a core vaccine that protects against Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR), also known as feline herpesvirus, is a virus that commonly affects the upper respiratory and ocular systems in cats. Most common symptoms of FVR include sneezing, nasal and/or ocular discharge, conjunctivitis, and even corneal ulcers. Calicivirus is another virus that causes upper respiratory and ocular disease, as well as oral ulcers. Panleukopenia is a disease caused by the feline parvovirus. The most common symptoms of Panleukopenia include high fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, anorexia and lethargy. These three viruses are highly contagious amongst cats, and can lead to serious complications especially in young kittens and immunocompromised cats. Treatment for these viruses includes supportive treatment, as well as antibiotics and eye ointments in cases of secondary bacterial infections.
FeLV
Feline leukemia (FeLV) is a virus that causes immunosuppression in cats. It is most commonly transmitted through saliva and nasal secretions, and causes a variety of symptoms. While infected cats can live a fairly normal and "healthy" life, most have a reduced life expectancy due to their suppressed immune system. This vaccine is considered "non-core" and is recommended for all outdoor cats, as well as indoor cats who are in contact with other infected felines.
Rabies
Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect all warm-blooded animals, including humans. Due to the dangerous nature of this disease and lack of treatment for those infected, it is legally required to vaccinate all pets against rabies, making it a core vaccine. Clinical signs of rabies can include changes in behaviour, hypersalivation (drooling or foaming at the mouth), ataxia, depression or stupor. The only way to diagnose rabies in a pet is a post-mortem biopsy of brain tissue.